For Immediate Release: May 14, 2008

Sutton Introduces Resolution Calling on Army to End “Stop-Loss” Program

Policy has hurt military families and has potential to damage recruiting

WASHINGTON,  D.C. - Last week, Congresswoman Betty Sutton introduced House Resolution 1177 in the House, urging the Army to end its "Stop-Loss" Program and honor the contracts of soldiers who have honored their own commitment to our country.

 "The Army's use of `stop-loss' orders undermines the voluntary nature of military service and is unfair to our men and women in uniform and their families who have already sacrificed so much for our country," said Sutton.

 Since September 19, 2001, nearly 45,000 members of the Armed Forces have had their service involuntarily extended by stop-loss orders.  The number of soldiers subject to stop-loss orders has risen sharply since the Pentagon extended combat tours from 12 to 15 months last year.  Under current policy, if a soldier is scheduled to deploy within 90 days of the end of his commitment, the Army may issue a stop-loss order to retain the soldier in the military for the length of the deployment, and up to another 90 days after the unit returns to its home base. 

 "Policies such as stop-loss may enable the Army to maintain the size of its force in the short run, but are harmful to long term recruiting efforts.  Instead of involuntarily retaining soldiers, the Army should support policies such as the new GI Bill, which will increase educational benefits for members of the military and be an effective recruitment tool," Sutton said.

 There are currently 12 cosponsors of H. Res. 1177.

Contact: Erin Donar at 202-225-3401 or Erin.Donar@mail.house.gov